One of the storylines from the Cleveland Guardians’ 2025 season has been the two pitchers who were placed on leave by Major League Baseball in July. Both Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were placed on leave through August 31st.
But, with the investigation ongoing, and with the leave period of August 31st reached, MLB announced an updated leave period for both Guardians pitchers.
As Bob Nightengale of USA Today shared, MLB announced that Guardians pitchers Clase and Ortiz are to be placed on administrative leave “until further notice.”
Guardians Get Big Update on Clase and Ortiz
Both Clase and Ortiz were placed on administrative leave in July, with the duo being investigated over alleged sports gambling. They’ve been out for a while now, and the investigation is still ongoing, necessitating an extended leave.
Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz’s administrative leave has been extended until further notice as MLB’s investigation involving illegal gambling continues.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 31, 2025
Their leave was set to end on August 31st, the day of the announcement from MLB and the report from Nightengale. But, their leave was extended until further notice, hinting at their absence from carrying through the rest of the 2025 MLB season.
Earlier in the month, both Clase and Ortiz had their lockers cleaned out in the team clubhouse, further signifying that their seasons would likely be over.
There was a chance they could return if the investigation concluded by August 31st and both were cleared, but this update from MLB effectively ends their 2025 season.
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Not only does it likely end their 2025 season, but the rest of their MLB career is up in the air. It’s a serious investigation and allegations against the two Guardians pitchers, which could bar them from pitching in the Majors again.
The Guardians have missed both pitchers, especially Clase, who was coming off an incredible 0.61 ERA season in 74 outings, earning third place in the AL Cy Young Award.
While their 2025 seasons are likely over, their 2026 seasons are still up in the air. Until MLB’s investigation concludes, both will be on leave “until further notice.” Clase and Ortiz’s gambling investigation is ongoing, as Major League Baseball extends their leave.
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